Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Family of 4
$45-55 CAD (~$33-40 USD) with family pass
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
3-14 years
About
The Beaty Biodiversity Museum at the University of British Columbia is Vancouver's only natural history museum, and it makes a powerful first impression. A 26-metre blue whale skeleton — the largest animal to have ever lived — hangs from the ceiling of the two-storey entrance hall. It's genuinely awe-inspiring, and kids stand beneath it with their mouths open.
Beyond the whale, the museum houses over two million specimens spanning fish, fossils, insects, birds, mammals, fungi, and plants. The displays are thoughtfully curated to appeal to curious minds of all ages. The insect collection features iridescent beetles and enormous moths pinned under glass.
The taxidermied bird collection shows species from tiny hummingbirds to massive eagles. The fossil displays connect kids to deep time.
The Discovery Lab is where the museum really shines for families. University student volunteers guide kids through hands-on encounters with real specimens — touching whale baleen, examining animal skulls, handling shells and fossils. The enthusiasm of these young scientists is infectious, and kids respond to their energy.
A free family scavenger hunt (ask at the front desk) provides a structured way to explore the whole museum, with questions and clues that lead kids through different exhibit areas. It's well-designed and turns a passive museum visit into an active adventure.
The museum is compact — most families spend 1-2 hours — but the content is rich. It's particularly good for kids who are interested in animals, nature, or science, and the UBC campus setting means you can combine it with other attractions. The UBC Botanical Garden is a 10-minute walk, and the Museum of Anthropology (with its famous First Nations art) is nearby as well.
Practically: the museum is fully accessible with elevator access, stroller-friendly pathways, and family washrooms. There's no food service inside, and campus dining options require a bit of a walk, so bringing snacks is advisable. Parking at UBC is metered — bring quarters or use the parking app.
The family pass ($45 for 2 adults and up to 4 kids) is the best value. Kids under 5 are free. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Not Available
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings when school groups aren't visiting. Weekends are quieter during UBC holidays. Check for family program days with guided activities.
Wait Times
Minimal — rarely any wait for entry
Nearby Food
The UBC campus has the Nest student center with a food court (10-minute walk). The Village at UBC has Mercante pizza and other casual dining. For a special meal, University Golf Club restaurant overlooks the greens.
Why Kids Love It
The moment you walk in, you look up and there it is: a 26-metre blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling — the largest animal that has ever lived on Earth, floating above you in its full, jaw-dropping enormity. Kids literally gasp. That skeleton alone is worth the trip, but the museum delivers much more.
Over two million specimens are housed here, from ancient fossils to taxidermied birds to pinned insect collections that are both beautiful and slightly creepy. The Discovery Lab lets kids handle real specimens — bones, shells, pelts — with guidance from university students who are genuinely passionate about biodiversity. There's a family scavenger hunt that takes you through the entire museum and keeps kids engaged longer than you'd expect.
The exhibits on local BC ecosystems help kids connect what they see in the museum to the forests and oceans just outside.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The blue whale skeleton is visible from the entrance — let kids take it in before rushing to the exhibits
- Ask for the family scavenger hunt at the front desk — it's free and keeps kids engaged
- The Discovery Lab has specific hours for hands-on activities — check the schedule
- Combine with the UBC Botanical Garden or Museum of Anthropology for a full UBC day
- Parking at UBC is paid — use the lot behind the museum on West Mall
What to Bring
- Curiosity — this museum rewards kids who like to look closely
- A notebook or sketchpad for kids who like to draw what they see
- Snacks (no food inside; limited campus food options nearby)
- Quarters for the UBC parking meters
- A camera for the blue whale skeleton photo op
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$45-55 CAD (~$33-40 USD) with family pass
Tips to Save
- Family pass (2 adults + up to 4 kids) is $45 — much better value than individual tickets.
- Kids under 5 are free.
- UBC students and staff get in free.
- Check for free admission days.